Khelo India Beach Games 2026: Dadra And Nagar Haveli And Daman And Diu Dominate Beach Soccer

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Hosts Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu produced a heavy win in the Boys’ Beach Soccer group stage at the Khelo India Beach Games 2026, outclassing Himachal Pradesh 15-1 at the Diu beach arena on 7 January 2026, in a dominant display across all three periods.

The home side’s one-sided victory gave Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu a strong early position in their pool, while results in the Women’s Beach Soccer competition and Pencak Silat underlined a wider spread of emerging talent on the same day at the multi-sport Khelo India Beach Games 2026 event.

The Boys’ Beach Soccer clash began in favourable playing conditions, with temperatures near 30°C and a sizeable crowd present. Supporters at the picturesque Diu venue saw the hosts attack from the start, sustain pressure throughout the contest, and maintain a high intensity that left Himachal Pradesh struggling to clear danger for long spells.

Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu moved ahead 2-0 by the end of the first period and then completely controlled the second period. The hosts scored eight goals in that phase and conceded once. In the third period, they added five further goals, finishing 15-1, and the clear margin meant there was no need for extra time or penalties.

Captain Jay Nitesh Halpatti finished with an outstanding goal return and shaped most attacking moves. Forward line support came from Keyur Mangela and Don Remedios, who added important contributions in the final third. At the other end, goalkeeper Prayash Raju Halpatti delivered a stable performance, handled routine efforts cleanly, and helped organise the defence whenever Himachal Pradesh advanced.

Himachal Pradesh managed one consolation goal while facing near constant pressure, and an own goal from Mehul Kumar further increased the deficit. Elsewhere in beach soccer, Arunachal Pradesh defeated Maharashtra 9-1 in Women’s Group A, and Gujarat recorded a 9-0 victory over Himachal Pradesh in Women’s Group B, continuing the one-sided trend in several ties.

The day’s medal event in another sport saw Pencak Silat action, where Princess Alexander Thomas secured the gold medal in the Women’s Tunggal category, adding to the list of results that underlined the range of disciplines featured at the 2nd Khelo India Beach Games and the platform offered to athletes from different parts of India.

The comprehensive 15-1 scoreline strengthened Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu’s standing in the Boys’ Beach Soccer group and reflected clear attacking depth. Combined with strong women’s results and medals in Pencak Silat, the Khelo India Beach Games 2026 continued to highlight regional participation and provide match experience in beach and combat sports for developing players.